
The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room
The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room in Wilkes-Barre is a classic diner serving homemade comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere.
What people love about The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room
Corned Beef Hash
Multiple customers specifically call out the corned beef hash as exceptional, with some describing it as "the star of the show" and expressing surprise at how good it was.
The "Gut Buster" Omelette
This specific menu item is mentioned multiple times with enthusiasm for its generous size and variety of meats, making it a signature dish that stands out to customers.
Cinnamon Roll/Cinnabon French Toast
This unique French toast variation receives exceptional praise from multiple customers, with one stating they can't imagine having French toast any other way after trying it.
Server Jenae's Exceptional Service
This specific staff member is mentioned by name with outstanding praise for making customers feel like family, demonstrating exceptional personal service that goes above and beyond.
Key Themes from Reviews of The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room
Food Quality & Taste
PositiveCustomers consistently praise the high quality, fresh, homemade food with many describing dishes as excellent, delicious, and outstanding.
Staff Friendliness & Service
PositiveCustomers frequently highlight the friendly, attentive service from staff who remain positive even during busy periods.
Portion Sizes & Value
PositiveCustomers are impressed with the generous portion sizes and consider the pricing excellent value for the amount and quality of food received.
Wait Times & Busy Atmosphere
MixedWhile customers acknowledge the restaurant gets very busy with waits, most feel the quality of food and service makes the wait worthwhile.
Facility Conditions (Back Dining Room)
NegativeMultiple customers express serious concerns about the deteriorating conditions in the back dining area, particularly falling ceiling tiles and general maintenance issues.
Menu Variety & Unique Items
PositiveCustomers appreciate the creative and diverse menu offerings that set the restaurant apart from typical diners.
Homemade/Scratch-Made Food
PositiveCustomers value and frequently mention that the food is made from scratch, which they associate with better quality and taste.
About The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room
Welcome to The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room
Located in the heart of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room represents more than just a dining destination – we are a celebration of culinary craftsmanship, community connection, and the rich heritage of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Nestled at 1335 N River St, our establishment stands as a testament to the belief that exceptional food begins with exceptional ingredients and the passion to transform them into memorable experiences.
Our Culinary Philosophy
At The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room, we live by the principle that everything worth having is worth making from scratch. Our name isn't just a catchy phrase – it's our promise to you. Every sauce, every soup base, every dressing, and every component of your meal is crafted in-house by our dedicated culinary team. We refuse to take shortcuts when it comes to quality, believing that the extra time and effort invested in preparing everything from the ground up translates directly to the extraordinary flavors on your plate.
Our kitchen operates as a symphony of skilled hands working in harmony, where traditional techniques meet contemporary innovation. We source our ingredients from local farms and trusted purveyors who share our commitment to quality and sustainability. This dedication to local sourcing not only ensures the freshness and flavor of our dishes but also strengthens our ties to the community that has embraced us since day one.
The Anthracite Room Experience
The Anthracite Room, our distinctive dining space, pays homage to the coal mining heritage that shaped this region for generations. Anthracite coal, known as "hard coal," was the backbone of Northeastern Pennsylvania's economy and culture for over a century. Just as anthracite burns longer, cleaner, and hotter than other coals, we strive to provide an dining experience that burns brighter in your memory long after your last bite.
The ambiance of our dining room reflects this history through carefully curated design elements that honor the hardworking spirit of our community's past while embracing the vibrant future we're building together. Warm lighting, rustic textures, and industrial accents create an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and approachably comfortable – a place where you can celebrate life's special moments or simply enjoy a perfectly prepared meal with friends and family.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Every member of our team at The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room shares an unwavering commitment to excellence that extends far beyond the kitchen walls. From the moment you step through our doors, our front-of-house staff ensures that your dining experience is seamless, welcoming, and memorable. We believe that exceptional service is not about being overly formal or intrusive, but about being genuinely attentive to your needs and preferences while allowing you to relax and enjoy your time with us.
Our servers are knowledgeable about every dish we prepare and can guide you through our menu with detailed descriptions of ingredients, preparation methods, and wine pairings. We take pride in accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences, working closely with our kitchen team to ensure that every guest feels welcome and well-cared for, regardless of their culinary needs.
Menu Craftsmanship
Our menu represents a carefully curated collection of dishes that showcase both timeless classics and innovative creations. We draw inspiration from various culinary traditions while maintaining a focus on American cuisine with contemporary flair. Each season brings new opportunities to incorporate the finest local ingredients at their peak, resulting in a menu that evolves throughout the year while maintaining our signature dishes that guests have come to love and expect.
From our house-made charcuterie featuring locally sourced meats to our fresh pasta made daily in-house, every element of our menu reflects our commitment to the scratch-cooking philosophy. Our seafood is sourced from sustainable fisheries and delivered fresh multiple times per week, while our meat selections come from farms that practice humane and sustainable farming methods.
Our dessert program deserves special mention, as our pastry team creates stunning final courses that serve as the perfect conclusion to your dining experience. From classic comfort desserts with modern presentations to innovative flavor combinations that surprise and delight, our dessert menu changes regularly to showcase seasonal ingredients and the creativity of our talented team.
Community Connection
The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room is deeply rooted in the Wilkes-Barre community, and we take our role as community members seriously. We regularly participate in local events, support area charities, and collaborate with other local businesses to strengthen the economic fabric of our neighborhood. We believe that a restaurant's success is intrinsically linked to the health and prosperity of the community it serves.
Our location on North River Street places us in a historic area of Wilkes-Barre that has seen significant revitalization in recent years. We're proud to be part of this renaissance, contributing to the area's reputation as a dining and cultural destination while honoring the rich history that makes this location special.
Private Events and Special Occasions
The Anthracite Room provides an exceptional setting for private events, business dinners, and special celebrations. Our team works closely with hosts to create customized menus and experiences that exceed expectations while remaining true to our commitment to scratch-made cuisine. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner for eight or a larger celebration, we have the flexibility and expertise to make your event truly memorable.
We understand that special occasions deserve special attention, and our event planning team takes care of every detail so you can focus on enjoying time with your guests. From menu planning and wine selection to special dietary accommodations and custom decorations, we handle the logistics while you create the memories.
Looking Forward
As we continue to grow and evolve, The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room remains committed to the principles that established our reputation: uncompromising quality, genuine hospitality, and deep respect for our community and its heritage. We constantly seek ways to improve our offerings while staying true to our core values of scratch cooking and exceptional service.
We invite you to join us at 1335 N River St for an experience that celebrates the best of what dining can be. Whether you're a longtime resident of Wilkes-Barre or visiting our beautiful area for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you to our table and sharing our passion for exceptional food and warm hospitality.
For reservations or inquiries, please call us at 570-550-9234 or visit our website at scratchkitchenpa.com. We can't wait to serve you.
Unique Details About The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Parking
- Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
- Good for kids
Payments
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Coffee
- Quick bite
- Comfort food
- Small plates
- Healthy options
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
Highlights
- Great coffee
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Dining options
- Lunch
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Breakfast
Service options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Contact Information for The Scratch Kitchen & Anthracite Room
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702
United States of America
Phone: +1 570-550-9234
Website: Visit Website
Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
Based on 584 reviews
Review data
5 star reviews
- 71%
4 star reviews
- 15%
3 star reviews
- 7%
2 star reviews
- 4%
1 star reviews
- 4%
Working Hours / Hours of Operation
- Monday:
- Closed
- Tuesday:
- 7AM-2PM
- Wednesday:
- 7AM-2PM
- Thursday:
- 7AM-2PM
- Friday:
- 7AM-2PM
- Saturday:
- 7AM-2PM
- Sunday:
- 7AM-2PM